Roof mount sealing assembly

ABSTRACT

A variety of roof mount sealing assemblies are disclosed. The roof mount sealing assemblies allow a user to mount rails for solar panels, signs, satellite dish or any other desired item on the roof and have the mounting location sealed against water. The roof mount sealing assemblies has a body with a recess for a flexible washer, which is attached to a bolt body (or formed with the bolt body) and threaded either down in a base plate or directly into the roof. The bolt body and body form a double stud assembly, which also holds a flashing onto the roof to provide further water proofing.

CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/799,359, filed Mar. 13, 2013, which is a continuation of Ser. No.13/368,332, filed Feb. 8, 2012, which claims the benefit of provisionalapplication 61/440,847, filed Feb. 8, 2011. Further, the Ser. No.13/368,332 application, is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 12/700,667filed Feb. 4, 2010, pending, which claims the benefits of provisionalapplication No. 61/255,082 filed Oct. 26, 2009, and provisionalapplication No. 61/150,301 filed Feb. 5, 2009. All of these applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Roof pipe and electrical flashings exist to seal penetrations on roofs.Prior art pipe and electrical flashings provide elastic seals whichutilize a combination of metal and rubber pieces. These rubber piecesare exposed to the elements and eventually degrade, allowing elementssuch as moisture in the home.

The foregoing example of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the above described problems havebeen reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed toother improvements.

One aspect of the roof mounting assembly described herein is awaterproof assembly mounting devices such as solar panels and signs onroofs. Another aspect of the device described herein is to provide aflashing assembly which requires no caulking or exposed rubber. Ifdesired, caulking or other weather stripping can be added withoutchanging the nature of the assembly.

One application uses the watertight standoff system to supportinterlocking racks which hold solar panels and/or other panels off thesurface of a roof.

In the disclosed embodiments, a body is used to encapsulate a flexiblewasher to protect the washer from ultra violet light and otherenvironmental factors that degrade the flexible washer. This also allowthe flexible washer to be put under pressure to create a more waterresistant seal.

Another aspect is the fact that the washer is or can be compressedbetween elements of the roof mounting system and not between elements ofthe roof or other surface. Therefore, as the roof components age (wooddries out, shingles age) the water proof nature of the disclosed roofmounting systems does not change. Known prior systems rely on the roofstructure to maintain pressure of the waterproof seal, which may bedegraded as the roof elements age, i.e. a rafter may dry out and split.

Another advantage of the disclosed roof mounting system is thatdissimilar material s can be used without causing dielectric effects.The washer (or washers) can be used to separate elements made ofdissimilar metals. Given the materials above the roof are inenvironmental conditions that are uncontrollable and can cause severedamage to many products, the washer separates and prolongs the life ofthe metal embodiments of the roof mounting assembly components due tothe nature that they are dielectrically separated by the silicone rubber(or other material) washer.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein likereference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a standoff and flashing to attach asupport member to a roof or other surface.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the standoff and flashing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of another standoff and flashing.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the standoff of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows the FIG. 3 standoff initially installed.

FIG. 6 shows the FIG. 3 standoff ready to accept a support post.

FIG. 7 shows the FIG. 3 standoff attached to a support post.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a standoff being installed.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a row of standoffs on a roof.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a roof anchor.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the roof anchor installed througha metal roof

FIG. 12 a partial sectional view of the roof anchor installed through aroof tile.

FIG. 13 is bottom perspective view of a bolt embodiment of the roofanchor of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a threaded hole embodiment ofthe roof anchor of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional exploded view of a standoff with a doublebolt stud.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the double bolt stud.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the double bolt stud assembly beinginstalled.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of an installed double bolt studassembly.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the standoff of FIG. 18 supportinga W spring base.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the standoff of FIG. 18 supportinga T slide.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a double studbolt being installed.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the double stud bolt of FIG. 21installed n a roof

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the double stud bolt of FIG. 22with an alternate embodiment of a washer.

FIGS. 24 a and b are views of one embodiment of the body of the doublestud bolt.

FIGS. 25 a and b are views of a second embodiment of the body of thedouble stud bolt.

FIGS. 26 a through h are views of four possible bolt bodies.

FIGS. 27 a through c are exploded views of various possibleconfigurations of the body being used with a base and raised flashing.

FIGS. 28 a through d are exploded views of various possible combinationsof a body and bolt body being used with a bump flashing to encapsulatethe washer .

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 a wheninstalled.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of a double stud assembly installedwith a bump flashing with a spacer.

FIGS. 31 a and b are exploded views of a double stud assembly installedwith a flat metal flashing.

FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 31 a wheninstalled.

FIGS. 33 a and b are exploded views of a double stud assembly installedon a roof with a metal support beam.

FIGS. 34 a and b are cross sectional views of double stud assembliesinstalled in a metal support beam.

FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of an another embodiment of the doublestud assembly.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown, sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments. Exemplary embodiments areillustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended thatthe embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be consideredillustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 show a flashing and standoff 2200 that can be used whenmounting a frame or rack on a roof or similar surface. Base 1901attaches to the roof truss T or other surface with screws 1903, twoscrews in the depicted embodiment. Known flashing 1902 (preferably sheetmetal) is placed over the base 1901 to prevent water from getting to theholes created by the screws. Flashing 1902 has raised area 1988 to allowthe flashing 1902 to enclosed base 1901. With prior art standoffs, thereare problems with water getting into the standoff and causing corrosionof the standoff. The present standoff 2200 solves this issue with a roofmount sealing assembly.

Threaded bolt 1904 extends up from base 1901, through hole 1415 inflashing 1902. Core 1908 has a threaded hole 1909 which threads ontobolt 1904. A soft flexible washer 1906 having hole 1405 is placedbetween the core 1908 and flashing 1903 in circular recess 1930 toprovide a water-tight or near water-tight seal with ridge R creating ametal to metal joint against flashing 1902 in the depicted embodiment.As core 1908 is solid other than threaded hole 1909 and recess 1930,once core 1908 is screwed down on to bolt 1904 with the flexible washer1906, a watertight, or nearly water tight, seal is formed over the hole1415 in flashing 1902, forming a roof mount sealing assembly 2000. Thishelps to prevent water from getting under the flashing 1902. The softflexible washer 1906 is compressed between the top surface 1931 of theflashing 1902 and the recess 1930. In the depicted embodiment the washeris a soft flexible material. Rubber/synthetic rubber/silicone or othersuitable compressible washer material using any known or laterdiscovered polymer with similar properties could be used as well.

Core 1908 has an outer surface with threads 1910. Cover 1911 has athreaded recess 1912, seen in FIG. 2, which corresponds to threads 1910,allowing the cover 1911 to be threaded down on to core 1910. The cover1911 has a top threaded hole 1913, which does not connect to threadedrecess 1912. The height of the stand-off is adjusted by choosing how fardown cover 1991 is threaded on to core 1908. This allows for veryprecise and replicable height adjustments. Bolt 412 can be threaded intohole 1913 to allow desired objects to be attached to the top of cover1911 as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 3 to 7 show the roof truss T with a roof surface TP on top oftruss T with another type of standoff. A shingle SH is exposed to theenvironment. Base 1999 serves as an anchor for the entire standoffassembly 2222 and is attached to the roof truss T with screws 103 asabove. Base 1999 differs from base 1901 in that it has a threaded hole1920, instead of bolt 1904. Water is prevented from reaching screws 1903by flashing 1902 as above. The flashing 1902 is made waterproof at itsperiphery E in known manners including glue, tar, overlay shingles. Hole1920 has threads to accept bolt 1926 which secures the core 1924 to thebase 1999, forming roof mount sealing assembly 4000 as shown in FIG. 4.The soft flexible washer 1906 fits into donut recess 1928 at the bottomof the core 1924. Rim 1928 is circular and seals the flexible washer1906 inside the metal to metal joint of members 1929 against 1902 in thedepicted embodiment. Thus flexible washer 1906 is protected from theelements, particularly ultraviolet light, and little or no water can getinto hole 1405.

The threads 1925 receive the cover 1922. After the cover 1922 is set tothe desired height the mounting bolt 1921 is set to a desired height asshown by gauge G in FIG. 4 forming height D8 in FIG. 6. Bolt 412 threadsinto hole 1923.

A series of assemblies 2222 can be mounted on a roof in a straight lineready to support a support post 100 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The jaw104 is slid down a series of aligned bolts 412. Then each cover 1922 istightened (turned counterclockwise CC) thereby locking bolt 412 againstlip 108, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. No tools are needed. FIG. 8 shows amethod to affix the FIG. 3 embodiment 2222 on a shingle roof. ShingleSHU is lifted to cover the edge 1902 e of flashing 1902.

FIG. 9 shows the support post 100 mounted at a uniform height UH above acurving roof SH. Each bolt 412/cover 1922 combination is raised up ordown shown by arrows U, D to level post 100. Referring next to FIGS.10-14 a roof anchor 6500 has a cylindrical body 6501 with a threadedupper section 6502 in the depicted embodiment. The external threads 6052are optional, and an not required in all embodiments . A threaded hole6503 can receive a bolt so as to act like bolt 412 in FIG. 2.Alternately an Allen head or screw head or the like could be on the topto allow the roof anchor 6500 to be attached. Solar racks can be builtatop the bolt (not shown) that would be threaded into hole 6503. Thescrew 6504 is threaded into mounting hole 6505 at the bottom of body6501. A recess 6999 receives flexible washer 1906 similar to FIG. 2,wherein ridge R protects the washer from the sun and can provide a metalto metal seal and forming the roof mount sealing assembly. FIG. 11 showsa metal roof 6666 using ridge R for a metal to metal seal. A cover 1911(FIG. 2) could also be put on threads 6502, thus providing heightadjustment for a bolt 412. Wrench face WR allows a socket SOC or wrenchW to screw the screw 6504 into a truss T.

FIG. 12 shows a tile roof TR having the tile TR drilled with a hole 6700to allow anchor 6500 to be placed down atop a truss T. Usually a plywoodroof layer PY is present. So even on a tile roof the anchor 6500provides the support for a solar panel rack and forms the roof mountsealing assembly.

In FIGS. 13, 14 nominal dimensions are D68=.38 inch, D69=1.0 inch,D70=1.5 inch. The threaded hole 6505 serves as a mount for attaching tovarious stand offs including the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 10. Thehole 6505 would receive bolt 1904 (FIG. 2). The FIG. 13 embodiment withbolt 6801 can be used to insert into boss 5400 of FIG. 3. All theembodiments protect the flexible washer 1906 from the sun via a recesssuch as 6999.

In all embodiments the user has the option to tighten the threads untilthe ridge is in contact with the flashing, creating a metal to metalseal. Alternatively, the body is tightened down until the flexiblewasher is compressed to seal the hole, but the metal to metal contact isavoided. In either situation, the combination of the flashing and therecess substantially enclosed the washer, and encapsulate it, preventingultraviolet light and other environmental factors from degrading thewasher. The flexible washer thickness and the metal recess depth allowthe flexible washer to compress and completely fill the recess void whendesired. The physical properties of the flexible washer will hold also aspace between the flexible washer body and the flashing, but this can beadjusted for the desired result.

In all embodiments, the flashing can be made of aluminum, copper,stainless steel, metal, coated metal plastic, fiberglass, composites,plastic, ceramic, rubber, polymer, concrete, cementitious or any othermaterial that is sufficiently rigid and durable to provide the flatsurface for compression of the flexible washer and, if desired thecontact between the ridge and the flashing. The roof mount sealingassembly and standoff components can be made of aluminum, mild steel,stainless steel, copper, nickel or any other material with the necessaryphysical characteristic. In some applications the roof mount sealingassembly and/or standoff will need to be conducting, in order to allowfor grounding of the components mounted on the system. In allembodiments, if desired the installer can put caulk or other sealantaround all joins as a further assurance of water proof joins. This isnot necessary under normal usage conditions, but may be desired in harshenvironments and/or remote locations.

Referring next to FIGS. 15, 16 a standoff 1907 is attached to a base5430 screwed into a roof truss T via screws 1903. The base 5430 has athreaded boss 5400. A flashing 1902 with hole 1415 is placed atop theboss 5400. A soft flexible washer 1906 has hole 1405 aligned with hole1415. The double bolt stud 5401 has a body 5555, a lower bolt 5403 andan upper bolt 5402. The lower bolt 5403 extends through hole 1425 andscrews into boss 5400 in base 5430. The flexible washer 1906 is receivedin recess 5501 in body 5555. The ridge 5570 protects the flexible washer1906 from the sun and forms a watertight or nearly watertight seal,against flashing 1902, forming another embodiment of the roof mountsealing assembly 1500. If desired, the body 5555 can be tightened downuntil a metal to metal contact between the ridge 5570 and the flashing1902 is achieved. The body 5555 has wrench surfaces WR to allow a wrenchto tighten the stud 5401 as desired in the depicted embodiment. Thewrench surfaces WR could be configured in a wide variety of shapes andconfigurations to use with different tightening devices. In alternateembodiments the double bolt stud can be tightened with screw drivers(strait and Phillips) Allen wrenches and other such tightening devicesby forming appropriate recesses in upper bolt 5402 (not shown).Additionally, other types of wrench surfaces could be formed on theupper surface of double bolt stud 1501. In this embodiment, the upperbolt 5402 receives the core 1924 of a standoff 1907 via threaded hole1927. The core outer threads 1925 receive the cover 1922. A mountingbolt 412 is screwed into the top of the cover 1922 to provide an anchorfor support posts and any desired attachment. The double boltstud/washer assembly is denoted 5500.

Referring next to FIG. 17, the double stud/washer assembly 5500 is shownexploded with the flashing 1902, base 5430 and screws 1903, whichcombined form one embodiment of the roof mount sealing assembly 1500.The upper bolt 5402 can be attached to a wide variety of items that onecould wish to mount on a roof. The recess 5501 and flexible washer 1906combine to make a water tight, or near water tight seal that can be usedfor a wide variety of applications.

FIG. 18 is a cross section of the double stud assembly 5500 mounted on atruss T. The flexible washer 1906 is enclosed in the body 5555 and ridge5570 and protected from elements. Also, the configuration of theflashing 1902 and the body 5555 allow the washer to be compressedbetween two substantially flat surfaces while being prevented fromdeforming outward by ridge 5570. This protects the flexible washer 1906and allows for better seals than other arrangements.

Referring next to FIGS. 19, 20 the double stud assembly 5500 can anchora bracket 1700 or a T slide which has a hole on its bottom (not shown).A vast array of racks can be built atop the protective flashing 1902.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show one type of an alternate embodiment of a doublestud assembly 1600 formed of a body 1602 and a bolt body 1601. Thevariations of this embodiment allow the body 1602 to be attached to alarge number of types of materials. The bolt body 1601 has a lower boltsection 1603 and an upper bolt section 1606. The lower bolt body ischosen to allow insertion and attachment to the desired material/surfaceand the upper bolt body is chosen for what is to be attached to thesurface. The height, threading and diameter of both the lower bolt bodyand the upper bolt body can be varied as desired. The embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 allows the body 1602 to be attached moredirectly to a roof using a lag bolt as the lower bolt body 1603. Flatflashing 1604 is placed atop shingles SH with hole 1605 in the desiredattachment location. Lag bolt 1603 is the screwed into truss T, as seenin FIG. 21. The upper bolt 1606 is sized to accept whatever attachmentis desired. The relative diameter of lag bolt 106 and upper bolt 1606shown in the depicted embodiment is not required. The upper bolt 1606could have a much larger diameter. As in prior embodiments body 1602 hasrecess 1607 and ridge 1608 that encapsulate flexible washer 1906 andform a water tight or near water tight seal around bolt body 1601. Ifdesired, body 1602 can be tightened down onto flashing 1604 to achieve ametal to metal seal.

FIG. 23 shows an alternate embodiment of the washer 1801. In thisembodiment the washer brackets the flashing 1604, reducing or preventingelectrically conductive contact between the bolt body 1601 and theflashing 1604. This can also be used to reduce and/or eliminate contactbetween dissimilar metals.

FIGS. 24 a-b and 25 a-b shows two possible alternate embodiment of thebody. FIGS. 24 a-b shows a body 2400 of the double stud assembly with achosen thickness X₁, which in depicted embodiment is about ⅜ of an inch.In this embodiment the body 2400 is formed as a separate piece from thebolts and permanently affixed thereto by a chosen adhesive. The body2400 has a central hole 2401 that is sized to closely fit the chosenbolt body (not shown). On one side the body has recess 2402 and ridge2403 for the washer as described above. Body 2400 also can have wrenchfaces WR to allow the double stud assembly to be screwed down. Asbefore, the configuration and/or location of the wrench faces WR can bechosen to allow any number of known tools to be used. No limitation tothe depicted embodiment is intended, or should be inferred.

FIG. 25 a-b, shows a body 2500 with a chosen thickness X₂, which in thedepicted embodiment is larger than X₂. Thickness of the body is chosenbased on several parameters, including being thick enough to allowadequate number of threads for bolt size for good attachment and ifadditional height is wanted to give more clearance between flashing andwhatever is mounted on top. In this embodiment the body 2500 is formedas a separate piece from the bolts and permanently affixed thereto by achosen adhesive. The body 2500 has a central hole 2501 that is sized toclosely fit the chosen bolt body (not shown). Alternatively, centralhole 2501 could be threaded and the body threaded on to the bolt body.Further the double stud assembly could be molded or machined as a singlepiece. On one side the body has recess 2502 and ridge 2503 for thewasher as described above. Body 2500 also can have wrench faces WR toallow the double stud assembly to be screwed down. As before, theconfiguration and/or location of the wrench faces WR can be chosen toallow any number of known tools to be used.

As seen in some of the other embodiments of the roof mount sealingassemblies, the body 5555, 1900, 2000, 2400, 2500 can have a threadedhole on the top surface instead of the upper bolt 5402 to allow agreater number of possible attachments. In all embodiments the washercould be formed as an O ring with suitable changes to the size of therecess. In all embodiments of the body the central hole can be threadedand the body attached to the bolt body by the threads or the centralhole can be smooth and the body is attached to the bolt body byadhesives. Further the bolt body and the body could be molded and/ormachined as a single unit.

Referring next to FIGS. 26 a-b, four possible variations of the boltbody are shown. Bolt body 2601 has a lower bolt body 2602 that is formedwith a lag thread bolt. This type of lower bolt body 2601 works well onwood. Bolt body 2601 has an upper bolt body 2603 with machine threads.In all embodiments upper bolt body and lower bolt body have externalthreads. The spacing and configuration of the threads will varydepending on the desired use of the double stud assembly. Choosingappropriate threading for the desired application is well known in theart and will not be further discussed. Washer 2604 and nut 2605 areprovided between the upper bolt body 2603 and the lower bolt body 2602.The nut 2605 allows the lower bolt body 2602 to be driven into the woodof the roof and the washer 2604 serves as a stop to control the depththat the bolt body 2601 is driven. The washer also assists in ensuring agood support for the flexible washer 1902 to ensure a good compression.In this embodiment the bolt body and washer would most likely be cast ormachined. Bolt body 2601 would require a raised flashing (2800).

Bolt body 2610 has a lower bolt body 2602 and an upper bolt body 2611with a metal washer 2612. As can be seen in FIG. 26 a, the upper boltbody 2611 of bolt body 2610 has a tool space 2616 formed into it topend. In the depicted embodiment the tool space is form to receive andAllen wrench. Other configurations of the tool space (not shown) couldbe used as well, such as tool spaced configured for standard screwdrivers and Phillips head screw drivers.

Bolt body 2620 has an upper bolt body 2622 and a lower bolt body 2621.Lower bolt body 2621 has a self tap section 2623. The self tap sectioncan be used on any of the depicted bolt bodies. Upper bolt section 2622is depicted with optional tool space 2624. This bolt body 2620 might beused on metal roof application or tile where the body 2500 could beprovided at roof level and the upper bolt section 2622 would stick upthe appropriate length. The lower bolt section 2631 of this applicationcould be machine or lag.

Bolt body 2630 has lower bolt body 2631 and upper bolt body 2632 andmetal washer 2633 placed between. Washer 2633 is a combination washerwith a lower internally threaded body attached to the washer, commonlyknown as a weld nut. The washer threaded onto upper bolt body 2632 andserves as a stop to prevent over threading lower bolt body 2631 into theroof. The washer 2633 also serves as a base for the flashing andprevents pushing/deforming the flashing into the roof/shingle whenthreading an attachment onto the upper bolt body 2632. The washer 2633facilitates the compression of the flexible washer between the flashingand the body with recess when installed without a base plate. The washer2633 is attached to the bolt either chemically, welded, or mechanicallycrimped. In the depicted embodiment a thread locking compound(chemically) looks the weld nut onto the bolt. The washer 2633 has noexternal threads which facilitates going into the plywood of mostroofing assemblies and not lifting the plywood from the rafter due tothreads not lining up properly upon installation. Also given the largershaft diameter, it helps friction fit the predrilled hole and provideadditional horizontal support. It also provides a semi-impermeable sealin asphalt shingle roofing applications, and tile underlaymentapplications, should water penetrate the roofing from other locations(not our flashing). This is a the one location that caulk would berecommended in certain applications providing another “safety” barrierto moisture or water from roofing failures above

The washer 2633 facilitates the body 2500 to be tightened in a metal tometal compression zone be to achieve the waterproofing. As stated aboveif the structural member splits, degrades or ever the roofing materialunder the flashing the waterproofing is not affected. Bolt configuration2630 is the most common one used for wooden roof installations. It has alag bottom that needs to be predrilled in most applications. 2623 is aself drilling version no pilot hole. Lower bolt body 2632 can be drivenin to a wooden stud with just a hanger bolt driver but such drivercannot back out the bolt body should removal (reroof or bad attachment).The bolt body can be backed out with two standard nuts tightened againstone another. In some applications this is very difficult and the tophex, Allen, torc, nut or tool spaces facilitate the installation orremoval of the bolt bodies. The tool spaces could be configured for aslot or Phillips screw driver.

FIGS. 27 a-c show a body 2701 being used with base 1901 and base 1999and flashing 1902 as described previously. In all embodiment the body2701 (1602, 2400, 2500) with it recess and ridge encapsulated washer1405 as seal hole 1415 in flashing 1902. As mentioned previously thebody can have many different configurations, depending on its desiredfunction. The necessary features are the recess and the sealing ridge toencapsulate the washer 1405 or and O-ring (now shown) to seal theexterior of the roof mounting assembly against water.

FIG. 28 a is an exploded view of bolt body 2630 being mounted on a roofwith a bump flashing 2800 and a body 2500. Any of the disclosed bodiescould be used as well; no limitation to the depicted body 2500 isintended or should be inferred. The bump flashing 2800 has a smallerraised area 2801 than flashing 1902 with hole 2802 in raised area toallow the upper bolt body 2632 to extend there through. The smallerraised area 2801 of flashing 2800 is useful when no metal to metalcontact of the flashing and the body is 2500 is desired. Additionally,the bump may assist in diverting water around the penetration in theroof, which may assist in keeping the mount sea. In installations ofphotovoltaic panels, the added height above the roof allows for greaterheat dissipation. In the depicted embodiment the central hole 2501 ofbody 2500 is threaded and screws on the threads of upper bolt body 2632.Flexible washer 1906 is placed over upper bolt body 2632 and then body2500 is threaded down onto upper bolt body 2632, encapsulating theflexible washer 1906 and forming the seal discussed above.

FIG. 28 b is an exploded view of a bolt body 2620 with nut 2605. Bumpflashing 2800, flexible washer 1906 and body 2500 as attached as above.FIG. 28 c shows the same with metal washer 2604 added under nut 2605.FIG. 28 d adds another flexible washer 1906 between the metal washer2604 and the single SH and another metal washer 2804 above the nut.

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 28 b installedon a roof. The lower bolt body 2621 is drilled into the wooden stud, theplywood sheathing and the shingle SH.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of a roof mount sealing assembly withbolt body 2620 and body 2500. Bump flashing 2800 is used with spacer3000 placed between the raised area 2801 and shingle SH.

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a double stud assembly being mounted witha flat metal flashing 1604. In this embodiment bolt body 2630 has weldnut 2633 and the flexible washer 1906 is placed between the flashing andthe body 2500. FIG. 31 b an additional metal washer 3100 is placedbetween the weld nut and the shingle SH. FIG. 32 is a cross section ofthe embodiment of FIG. 31 mounted on a roof.

When the body with the recess is screwed onto the bolt body in thefield, it utilizes thread compound on the threads for waterproofingthreaded connection. This thread compound also can provide dielectricseparation as the body can be aluminum, stainless, steel, or othermaterial that may be different from the bolt body.

One example, a bolt body is going into wood and has hanger bolt bottomwith weld nut. Bolt body is carbon steel zinc plated as the weld nut.Flashing is steel but body is aluminum as is the device that will beattached to the upper bolt section . In this case the dielectricproperties facilitate a proper connections with economical options i.e.not having to utilize all stainless components

A wide variety of objects could be attached to the roof mount sealingassembly by attaching to the upper bolt section, the threaded hole onthe body and/or on to one of the depicted standoffs. No limitationshould be implied as to the objects that can be attached to a buildingby on the disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 33 a and b are exploded views of a embodiment of the double studassembly being mounted on the roof of a building with metal structuralmembers. Bolt body 3300 is used with a flat flashing 2800, a flexiblewasher 1906 and body 2500. Nut 3301 can be used to secure the bolt body3300 in place. The size of the bolt body is not necessarily to scale inthis figure.

FIGS. 34 a and b are cross sectional views of a double stud sealingassembly mounted in a metal support beam. In FIG. 34 b nut 3301 isadded. FIG. 34 a has a self tapping metal screw to attach in into beamwhere access to the beam may or may not be possible. FIG. 34 b has astandard bolt nut application where the beam is accessible to place anut on the underside. The illustration is for a finished metal roofsurface or siding. FIG. 35 shows a bump flashing being used on a metalsupport beam.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced areinterpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations are within their true spirit and scope. Eachapparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although thepresent invention has been specifically disclosed by preferredembodiments and optional features, modification and variation of theconcepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in theart, and that such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate rangesand subranges, as well as all individual values included in the rangesgiven are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markushgroup or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of thegroup and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group areintended to be individually included in the disclosure.

In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognizedmeaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journalreferences and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The abovedefinitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable roof standoff for use in mountingan object to a roof, the standoff comprising: a core body having upperend and a lower end adapted for attachment proximate to a roof surface;said lower end of said core body including a bottom surface having: acentral attachment element aligned with a centerline axis of the corebody for attaching said core body to the roof surface; a recesssurrounding said central attachment element; and a ridge surroundingsaid recess, wherein a bottom edge of said ridge is disposed in a commonplane to permit contact with a planar surface associated with the roofsurface; said upper end of said core body including external threadsextending over at least a portion of an outside surface of said corebody; a soft annular element disposed in said recess, wherein said softannular element is at least partially compressed when said ridge iscompressed against the planar surface; and a cover having a top end anda bottom end; said bottom end being recessed and having internal threadsadapted to engage said external threads of said upper end of said corebody; and said top end having an attachment element for attaching anobject to said cover.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said centralattachment element comprises a threaded aperture in said bottom surfaceof said core body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said centralattachment element comprises a threaded stud fixedly attached to saidcore body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said threaded studcomprises a machine threaded stud.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinsaid threaded stud comprises a lag threaded stud.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein said threaded stud comprises a self tapping tip.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said central attachment element comprises:an aperture extending through said core body; and a bolt extendingthough said aperture, wherein a head of said bolt has a diameter greaterthan a diameter of said aperture.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid upper end of said core body further comprises: a drive element. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said drive element comprises ahexagonal drive element.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said topend of said cover comprises a threaded attachment element.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a flashing member adapted forplacement against a roof surface, said flashing member defining saidplanar surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portionof said soft annular element has a thickness that is greater than acorresponding depth of said recess.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said soft annular element is encapsulated by said ridge, abottom surface of said recess and the planar surface when said ridge iscompressed against the planar surface.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a height of said top end of said cover measured from the roofsurface is adjustable via selective threaded engagement of said internalthreads of said cover with said external threads of said core body. 15.A roof standoff for use in mounting an object to a roof, the standoffcomprising: a core body having an upper end and a lower end adapted forattachment proximate to a roof surface; said lower end of said core bodyincluding a bottom surface having: a threaded stud fixedly connected tosaid core body and aligned with a centerline axis of said core body,wherein said threaded stud is adapted for threaded engagement in theroof surface; a recess surrounding said threaded stud; and a ridgesurrounding said recess, wherein a bottom edge of said ridge is disposedin a common plane to permit contact with a planar surface associatedwith the roof surface; said upper end of said core body having: athreaded attachment element for attaching an object to said core body;and a drive element for engaging said core body to rotate said threadedstud; and a soft annular element disposed in said recess, wherein saidsoft annular element is at least partially compressed when said ridge iscompressed against the planar surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein said threaded attachment element of said upper end of said corebody comprises external threads extending over at least a portion of anoutside surface of said core body.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,further comprising: a cover having a top end and a bottom end; saidbottom end being recessed and having internal threads adapted to engagesaid external threads of said upper end of said core body; and said topend having an attachment element for attaching an object to said cover,wherein a height of said top end of said cover measured from the roofsurface is adjustable via selective threaded engagement of said internalthreads of said cover with said external threads of said core body. 18.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said threaded attachment element ofsaid upper end of said core body comprises a threaded aperture alignedwith the centerline axis of said core body.
 19. The apparatus of claim15, wherein said threaded stud comprises one of: a machine threadedstud; and a lag threaded stud.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinsaid threaded stud comprises a self tapping tip.